Kaval's Kickoff: Stanford Stadium extravaganza has arrived

We have a special week on tap for Quakes fans as we build the excitement and momentum toward the big match at Stanford Stadium on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. This match is our signature event of the season that will enable the organization to position itself at the forefront of Bay Area professional sports. We have already sold over 25,000 tickets to the game and we are expecting a lively crowd. This will be one of the biggest MLS games of the season and the game will fittingly be broadcast live on ESPN2.

One of the most exciting aspects of the weekend is the reunion of the 1994 United States World Cup team. The players will be honored at halftime with a newly produced 5-minute retrospective on the 1994 U.S.-Brazil Round of 16 match as well as an on-field presentation. The following players are confirmed: Mike Sorber, Cobi Jones, Juergen Sommer, Marcelo Balboa, Fernando Clavijo, Paul Caligiuri and Tab Ramos. This week will feature several media stories on the reunion as well. We are proud to celebrate the historic nature of the 1994 World Cup with the reunion and associated celebrations this week. This is a great way to connect with one of the most memorable events in US soccer history.

The week will also feature a ton of cool and innovative marketing programs to elevate awareness of the match. This is in addition to the TV, radio, internet, Facebook, and billboard advertisements blanketing the Bay Area. The Quakes have also produced a super scarf that will be popping up at memorable Bay Area locations throughout the week. Also, be sure to keep your eyes on the sky as we have several airplanes circling the Bay Area with “Quakes game @ Stanford Stadium” banners in tow. Finally, you may run into our scarving teams as they patrol San Jose, Palo Alto, and San Francisco with promotional scarves with special limited edition offers. Let us know your suggestions on where the super scarf should make an appearance by emailing me: president@sjearthquakes.com.

The match-up on the pitch will also be one to watch as the Quakes look to avenge an early season loss to the Red Bull. New York is led by French striker Thierry Henry, who has looked like the MLS MVP so far this season. The Quakes will look to neutralize the French striker while welcoming back U.S. National Team and reigning MLS Golden Boot champion Chris Wondolowski to give a spark on the offensive end. After a tough draw against the rival Galaxy this past weekend, it is time to break through for three points in front of the largest Quakes crowd in recent memory.

With the large attendance at the match, I would like to encourage folks to pre-purchase their tickets to avoid the game-day hassle at the stadium. I would also like to encourage folks to come early to check out the Epicenter Fan Zone. We are bringing in six gourmet food trucks, including the popular Kara's Cupcakes. Lulu's (http://www.lulusmexicanfood.com/catering.html) will also be on site selling food and providing VIP catering.

The typical fan zone activities like face painting and sign making will be there along with an awesome band, Rocking Down the Hiway. (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002173672418). Stanford is a fabulous place to tailgate in the Eucalyptus Groves surrounding the stadium. For those folks who have never been to the renovated Stanford Stadium, be ready for some great views and some of the most intimate environs for such a large venue for soccer.

We couldn't be more excited about this upcoming week and the spectacle of the match this coming weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone there to root the Quakes on and create an awesome home field advantage.